High-rises not the answer

MEDIA RELEASE February 8, 2012

High-rises not the answer—building boss offers smart solution to Auckland’s housing shortage

As the debate around planning for Auckland’s future rages on, Milestone Homes is taking steps to ensure they are part of the solution—working with James Hardie and design house Creative Arch to create New Zealand’s first Smarter Small Home. “A home and backyard of your own has always been the Kiwi dream, and we believe New Zealanders still have the right to it,” says Milestone Homes’ co-owner Stuart Munro.

“High-rises cannot replicate the quality of life and sense of community that traditional homes offer, and they’re not the solution to Auckland’s housing shortage. We need to be smart about how we provide housing for a growing urban population.”

The Smarter Small Home concept was conceived in Australia, where similar urban housing shortages exist. It brings designers, suppliers and builders together to create family homes that retain the backyard and room for parking, while using just a fraction of the traditional quarter acre section.

The homes are designed to maximise efficient use of building materials—reducing waste, construction time and labour costs. “Sensible use of construction materials is fundamental to creating affordable homes,” says Mr Munro.

“These homes are the ideal solution for small or subdivided inner city sites. It’s about using functional design to maximise the space you have. If you’re smart about it, you can still have your dog and your barbeque, even with space at a premium.”

Mr Munro supports the Productivity Commission’s recommendation that more peripheral land be zoned for construction in New Zealand’s growing metropolises. “The land is there. The majority of people don’t want to bring up their families in high-rises. Our urban centres are growing and in order to accommodate this growth more land will need to be zoned for construction.

“Until that happens, we’ll keep working to create smart and affordable homes that provide the lifestyle New Zealand families want on the land that is available.”

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